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Oskaloosa Moon
OSKALOOSA MOON recaptures beauty, pain and adolescent struggles in a mid-American farm village, circa 1950. In the spirit of Mark Twain's "Huckleberry Finn" and movies like "Forrest Gump", OSKALOOSA MOON reveals the adventures of an outcast boy who was unwilling to be invisible.
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First published December 15, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
March 24, 2011
Life isn’t easy for a disfigured, illegitimate boy called Moon growing up in Oskaloosa, Iowa during the 50’s and 60’s, especially after his mother abandons him. The doctor running the town views Moon as a hideous embarrassment and not only ostracizes the boy, but tries to institutionalize him. Moon, however, is smart, compassionate, and resourceful, and there are one or two adults on his side, including a beloved grandmother. All Moon wants is to live a normal life.
Oskaloosa Moon is a compelling, heartbreaking story of a person who faces hatred and powerlessness simply for being who he is. Author Gary Sutton, does an incredible job of telling Moon’s story without melodrama. This is a quiet, beautifully told story that had me rooting for Moon as he struggles for self-esteem, an education, and love.
What I most liked about this book was Moon’s voice; it’s stunning and the character well rounded. It was a treat to read an independently published novel that was not only well written, but clearly better edited than most. I haven’t read a book that stirred emotions in me for a long time, and I won’t forget Moon’s story. If you read this book, I’m betting you won’t either.
October 2, 2011
“All in all, stained glass is pretty but it seems to blur the truth.”
Oskaloosa Moon is the story of Moon, a boy with a cranial deformity who is cast out as a pariah by society. Moon is as honest as anyone and tries harder than most, but with a head that makes children cry there is no room for him in town. Ignorance and intolerance won’t allow for it. In fact, the townies, pillars of decency though they purport to be, are too dim to perceive that Moon is in fact quite gifted. He excels at mathematics and has a natural aptitude for mechanics, yet he is not permitted to graduate from high school. Moon needs to learn his place, somewhere far away from Oskaloosa.
Fatherless, Moon’s mother leaves him and his grandparents die. He only has one friend, a boy named Willy who has a speech impediment. Moon has more than his fair share of bad luck, and his story is at once comical and sad, moments of humour and warmth punctuating a series of injustices and tragedies. Moon tries to remain upbeat, but there are too many forces working against him.
We think Moon might be autistic or suffer from savant syndrome, but we’re not sure because the story is told in the first person, and Moon, although he realizes he’s different, never fully grasps the degree to which this is so. Not even the actions of his unfeeling mother, the disagreeable town doctor, or a few state officials bring it home to Moon just how different he is, try as they might. Besides Willy, there are a few who show the young man affection and consideration, but unfortunately ignorance wins the day.
I’ve never read a book quite like Oskaloosa Moon. The mind searches for comparisons. Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn? Bill Bryson’s Thunderbolt Kid? JD Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye? Robert Cormier’s I Am the Cheese? Comparisons may be convenient to inform the reader of what they’re getting if they purchase such a book, but comparisons are also odious. You wonder as you read Oskaloosa Moon just how much of it is true. You know much of it must be, but it’s presented so well that it’s hard to say. Oskaloosa Moon would make a great novel to be taught in, say, grade 9. It’s a superb lesson in the hypocrisy, prejudice, and indifference of human society – a very compelling story.
Oskaloosa Moon is the story of Moon, a boy with a cranial deformity who is cast out as a pariah by society. Moon is as honest as anyone and tries harder than most, but with a head that makes children cry there is no room for him in town. Ignorance and intolerance won’t allow for it. In fact, the townies, pillars of decency though they purport to be, are too dim to perceive that Moon is in fact quite gifted. He excels at mathematics and has a natural aptitude for mechanics, yet he is not permitted to graduate from high school. Moon needs to learn his place, somewhere far away from Oskaloosa.
Fatherless, Moon’s mother leaves him and his grandparents die. He only has one friend, a boy named Willy who has a speech impediment. Moon has more than his fair share of bad luck, and his story is at once comical and sad, moments of humour and warmth punctuating a series of injustices and tragedies. Moon tries to remain upbeat, but there are too many forces working against him.
We think Moon might be autistic or suffer from savant syndrome, but we’re not sure because the story is told in the first person, and Moon, although he realizes he’s different, never fully grasps the degree to which this is so. Not even the actions of his unfeeling mother, the disagreeable town doctor, or a few state officials bring it home to Moon just how different he is, try as they might. Besides Willy, there are a few who show the young man affection and consideration, but unfortunately ignorance wins the day.
I’ve never read a book quite like Oskaloosa Moon. The mind searches for comparisons. Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn? Bill Bryson’s Thunderbolt Kid? JD Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye? Robert Cormier’s I Am the Cheese? Comparisons may be convenient to inform the reader of what they’re getting if they purchase such a book, but comparisons are also odious. You wonder as you read Oskaloosa Moon just how much of it is true. You know much of it must be, but it’s presented so well that it’s hard to say. Oskaloosa Moon would make a great novel to be taught in, say, grade 9. It’s a superb lesson in the hypocrisy, prejudice, and indifference of human society – a very compelling story.
January 29, 2011
With charm, humor and pathos reminiscent of Forrest Gump, Gary Sutton has created a truly wonderful novel in Oskaloosa Moon. The innocent, wandering reminiscences of his protagonist depict a landscape of small community, church uniformity, and the inevitable exclusion of the different. Age brings focus to his tale, draws images together till the reader is almost there in school-yard or field. The young protagonist doesn’t even describe himself till later in the tale, but by then imagination, fuelled by the author’s well-chosen words, has drawn an image tragically right and true. Relationships are honestly depicted and invariably kindly forgiven. And hope wanders through like a loose thread tied to the character’s good humor and heart.
No fool, this young man is wise beyond his years, intelligent beyond his peers, and seriously fun to hang out with. But he’s different. He has “problems.” And his neighbors seem to imagine the “kindest” thing is to hide him away. This story of individuals setting him free, and how he takes his own chances built on theirs, is surprisingly uplifting; at times laugh-out-loud funny; at times drawing tears; but always leading the reader on to know more, to hope for more, and to forgive.
There are no easy solutions to the problems of a wounded life. But there are hard-sought solutions to its pain, and well-deserved joys that lighten and uplift both character and reader. It’s the sort of story you don’t want to finish, and when it ends you don’t want to put down the book. It’s a beautiful tale, anchored in the American heartland, in hope, in anguish and in love—and it reminded me of why I loved Forrest Gump. Oskaloosa Moon is definitely a book I’m delighted to have had the chance to read.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All I can say is, thank you Gary Sutton! I really loved it!
No fool, this young man is wise beyond his years, intelligent beyond his peers, and seriously fun to hang out with. But he’s different. He has “problems.” And his neighbors seem to imagine the “kindest” thing is to hide him away. This story of individuals setting him free, and how he takes his own chances built on theirs, is surprisingly uplifting; at times laugh-out-loud funny; at times drawing tears; but always leading the reader on to know more, to hope for more, and to forgive.
There are no easy solutions to the problems of a wounded life. But there are hard-sought solutions to its pain, and well-deserved joys that lighten and uplift both character and reader. It’s the sort of story you don’t want to finish, and when it ends you don’t want to put down the book. It’s a beautiful tale, anchored in the American heartland, in hope, in anguish and in love—and it reminded me of why I loved Forrest Gump. Oskaloosa Moon is definitely a book I’m delighted to have had the chance to read.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All I can say is, thank you Gary Sutton! I really loved it!
March 21, 2011
What a sweet, nostalgic read...I truly enjoyed it.
Starting out with strikes against him, no loyal friends but one, rich girls that teased him......Moon was a lovable, honest, caring child of a single, disinterested mother and a child who worked hard at his paper route and at keeping people honest.
Moon's honesty and innocence was a major theme. The cruelty of the town's doctor toward Moon will break your heart. It was unbelievable to think that someone would feel they had that much power over a child just because he was not perfect.
I enjoyed reading about Moon's antics, his loyalty to his only friend and to his mother who really didn't care about him, and a Grandmother who was always worried about something. :) Moon is the all American dream to have as your child and a child that depicts the era of where we all came from and at times long for.
You will admire and love Moon for his resiliency and acceptance of his life's misfortunes and be saddened at how his story is an unfortunate commentary on society....if you aren't perfect, no matter how brilliant you are, you usually have a difficult time succeeding.
Gary Sutton, the author, graciously sent me a copy....it is an impressive read. Oskaloosa Moon captures the trials and tribulations of growing up in the 1950's and lets us know what it is like to have a handicap, which actually doesn't hold Moon back. Moon's handicap essentially helps him to continue through life and make something of himself even if it isn't in his chosen field of expertise. The book will or “should” teach us all a lesson.
Thank you, Mr. Sutton, for your amazing book. It made me cry, it made me laugh, it broke my heart, and it also should be read by everyone. 5/5
Starting out with strikes against him, no loyal friends but one, rich girls that teased him......Moon was a lovable, honest, caring child of a single, disinterested mother and a child who worked hard at his paper route and at keeping people honest.
Moon's honesty and innocence was a major theme. The cruelty of the town's doctor toward Moon will break your heart. It was unbelievable to think that someone would feel they had that much power over a child just because he was not perfect.
I enjoyed reading about Moon's antics, his loyalty to his only friend and to his mother who really didn't care about him, and a Grandmother who was always worried about something. :) Moon is the all American dream to have as your child and a child that depicts the era of where we all came from and at times long for.
You will admire and love Moon for his resiliency and acceptance of his life's misfortunes and be saddened at how his story is an unfortunate commentary on society....if you aren't perfect, no matter how brilliant you are, you usually have a difficult time succeeding.
Gary Sutton, the author, graciously sent me a copy....it is an impressive read. Oskaloosa Moon captures the trials and tribulations of growing up in the 1950's and lets us know what it is like to have a handicap, which actually doesn't hold Moon back. Moon's handicap essentially helps him to continue through life and make something of himself even if it isn't in his chosen field of expertise. The book will or “should” teach us all a lesson.
Thank you, Mr. Sutton, for your amazing book. It made me cry, it made me laugh, it broke my heart, and it also should be read by everyone. 5/5
July 4, 2011
In the 1960s “spaghetti western” movie “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly,” character actor Eli Wallach plays Tuco (“The Ugly”), a bandit who just can’t catch a break; everything bad that could happen to Tuco does happen to him. By the end of the movie it’s a wonder he’s survived at all.
For me, reading the story of “Moon” in the amazing novel “Oskaloosa Moon” was a bit like watching Tuco; I wondered if anything was EVER going to turn out right for him. I won’t write a spoiler and say whether it does or doesn’t; I will say that I must be on a roll of selecting wonderful reads right now, because this is another one I have to give five stars to; I absolutely loved this book. It’s another one that I think would be a great movie and, in fact, the plot of the movie “The Mask” is a lot like the plot of this book: a severely disfigured young man learns endless hard lessons about life in the cruel, real world. One big difference: Moon doesn’t have a supportive “bear mom” like Cher; in fact, he has almost no one he can depend on to help him find his way in life, which makes his journey all the more remarkable.
It probably helps that I live in the area where most of this novel is set, but I honestly think that anyone who likes a good character-driven story would enjoy it. A word of warning, though: be careful if you read it on an e-reader, because at times you will have an almost overwhelming desire to throw it across the room in frustration over some of the situations Moon finds himself in.
For me, reading the story of “Moon” in the amazing novel “Oskaloosa Moon” was a bit like watching Tuco; I wondered if anything was EVER going to turn out right for him. I won’t write a spoiler and say whether it does or doesn’t; I will say that I must be on a roll of selecting wonderful reads right now, because this is another one I have to give five stars to; I absolutely loved this book. It’s another one that I think would be a great movie and, in fact, the plot of the movie “The Mask” is a lot like the plot of this book: a severely disfigured young man learns endless hard lessons about life in the cruel, real world. One big difference: Moon doesn’t have a supportive “bear mom” like Cher; in fact, he has almost no one he can depend on to help him find his way in life, which makes his journey all the more remarkable.
It probably helps that I live in the area where most of this novel is set, but I honestly think that anyone who likes a good character-driven story would enjoy it. A word of warning, though: be careful if you read it on an e-reader, because at times you will have an almost overwhelming desire to throw it across the room in frustration over some of the situations Moon finds himself in.
April 23, 2011
Moon has a regular name, but no one remembers what it is. He came by his nickname when a mean spirited classmate laughed at him, saying his facial deformity caused his head to look just like a half moon. He has no father, an in-effectual mother, a grandmother who competently sees to his needs, and two friends who are equally shunned by the townsfolk for their imperfections. Oskaloosa is a small farming town run by the dictatorial Dr. Throckmorton, as mean as he is rich, and he seems to have to power to exert his personal will in any way he chooses. The book is set in the early 1950's, but it's timeless in its themes.
Moon relates most of his own story, in the pages of the journal he has kept all his life. The pages are filled with elements of humor, country wit, moments of joy, moments of pathos, and a sublime sense of loneliness. His writing is so evocative that your heart goes out to his on the very first page, making you yearn to provide him with the love and security that his big, undeformed heart cries out for and deserves. Especially because Moon never feels self pity. If you enjoyed Monk and Forest Gump, you'll love Oskaloosa Moon.
Moon relates most of his own story, in the pages of the journal he has kept all his life. The pages are filled with elements of humor, country wit, moments of joy, moments of pathos, and a sublime sense of loneliness. His writing is so evocative that your heart goes out to his on the very first page, making you yearn to provide him with the love and security that his big, undeformed heart cries out for and deserves. Especially because Moon never feels self pity. If you enjoyed Monk and Forest Gump, you'll love Oskaloosa Moon.
March 25, 2011
Moon was born in a small, Iowa farming town that seems to have overdosed on self-righteousness. Discriminated against for being both illegitimate and disfigured, Moon struggles to make a life for himself in a very cruel world. Still, there are those who are kind to him, and Moon delights in the smallest things, really only asking enough to survive, and always desirous to make his own way. Moon's story is important because it highlights the hypocrisy of the self-important, and causes the reader to be shaken to the core by the injustices heaped upon him. Instead of being depressing, though, the humor and innocence with which Moon must face the world make the book infinitely readable. I was captivated. You will be, too.
April 11, 2011
Wow what a story...to think how times have (hopefully) changed since the time when "Moon" was born into a situation of considerable disadvantage. Oskaloosa Moon is a very moving story that forced me to consider my life's advantages and how I have treated others.
I highly recommend this book and hope to see it made into a movie one day.
I highly recommend this book and hope to see it made into a movie one day.
September 5, 2011
The story of Moon was engaging in the beginning and the end. The middle however failed to connect and at times became far-fetched, hence 2 stars.
February 18, 2012
Well-written story of a disfigured boy living in 1950s Iowa. Powerful story that would make an excellent movie.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews